The holidays are a crucial time for small businesses. According to the National Retail Federation, holiday retail sales in 2018 reached over $700 billion in the US alone. That’s why it’s so important to have a solid plan in place to make the most of the holiday season.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are nine holiday marketing ideas for small businesses courtesy of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce that will help you ring in the New Year on a high note.

1. Create and Share a Gift Guide Via PDF

One of the best ways to market your products during the holidays is to create a gift guide and share it via PDF. You can even create multiple guides in one file and then split it into separate files for free after the fact using an online PDF splitter. Guides for various kinds of shoppers can be quite useful. This is a great way to showcase your products in a festive and creative way. Plus, it’s an easy way for your customers to find the perfect gift for their loved ones.

2. Stock up on Holiday Packaging

Investing in festive packaging is a great way to make your products stand out during the holiday rush. You can even use holiday-themed packaging as part of your marketing materials. For example, you could include a coupon or discount code on your holiday packaging that customers can use when they make a purchase on your website or in-store.

3. Reward Customer Loyalty

The holidays are a great time to show your loyal customers how much you appreciate their business. You could offer them exclusive discounts, early access to holiday sales, or even a free gift with purchase. Whatever you do, make sure your loyal customers feel valued during this special time of year.

4. Post Useful and Interactive Web Content

Make sure your website is ready for the holiday rush by posting useful and interactive content. This could include blog posts about gift ideas, interactive quizzes to help customers find the perfect present, or even video tutorials about how to use your products. By providing helpful and engaging content, you’ll keep customers coming back to your website all season long.

5. Engage With Your Audience Via Social Media

Social media is one of the best channels for promoting your business during the holidays. Make sure you have an active presence on all of the major platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and take advantage of features like live video and stories to engage with your audience in real-time. Also, don’t forget to use relevant hashtags and post festive photos and videos to get into the holiday spirit.

6. Hold Seasonal Giveaways or Contests

Everyone loves a good giveaway or contest, especially during the holidays! Hosting a giveaway or contest is a great way to drive traffic to your website or social media pages and generate excitement about your brand. Just be sure to promote it heavily in advance and make sure the prize is something that will appeal to your target audience.

7. Join Forces With Other Local Businesses

Forming partnerships with other local businesses is a great way to reach new audiences during the holidays. You could team up with complementary businesses for joint promotions or cross-promote each other’s products and services on social media or in email newsletters. By working together, you can tap into each other’s customer base and generate more interest in both businesses.

8. Host a Unique Themed Event

The holidays are all about celebrating with friends and family, so why not host a unique event at your business? This could be anything from an ugly sweater party or ornament decorating contest to a Christmas cookie baking class or wine tasting event. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that will get people excited and get them in the door.

9. Support an Important Local Charity

Supporting a local charity is always a good idea but it’s especially important during the holidays when people are looking for ways to give back. There are many ways you can support charities as a business owner, including hosting fundraisers, donating products or services, or simply raising awareness for their cause via social media or other marketing channels.

These are just some of the many ways you can market your small business during the holidays. By getting creative and thinking outside the box, you can come up with even more unique ideas that will resonate with your target audience. Whatever you do, just make sure you start planning early so you can make the most of this magical time of year!

Join the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce to connect with local entrepreneurs and resources that can help your business grow.